What is the appropriate distance that crutches should extend from the side of each foot when adjusted for a 16-year-old adolescent?

The appropriate distance that crutches should extend from the side of each foot when adjusted for a 16-year-old adolescent is six inches. This width ensures proper support and stability while allowing for adequate movement. The six-inch distance provides a balance that helps the adolescent maintain effective weight-bearing posture on the crutches, promoting proper gait mechanics.

An optimal distance also considers the size and comfort of the adolescent, ensuring that the crutches do not interfere with their movement or risk causing falls. Too narrow a stance may lead to instability, while a stance that is too wide could be cumbersome and affect mobility. Therefore, the alignment of the crutches at six inches from the feet is ideal for supporting an adolescent's growth and coordination, making it the most suitable option among the provided choices.